The Ancient Law by Ellen Glasgow

Name: The Ancient Law
Author: Ellen Glasgow

The novel revolves around the life of a young actress, Virginia Pendleton, who rises to fame on the New York stage during the early 20th century. Born into poverty in a small Virginia town, Virginia's natural talent and determination propel her upward through the theatrical ranks. As she gains recognition, she must confront the harsh realities of her profession, including the objectification of women and the corrupting influence of wealth and fame. Throughout the novel, Glasgow explores themes of identity, class, and gender, as well as the tensions between artistic expression and commercial success.

By Ellen Glasgow · First published 1908 · Genre: Southern Gothic, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary · 40 chapters · 142,827 words

First lines

Though it was six days since Daniel Ordway had come out of prison, he was aware, when he reached the brow of the hill, and stopped to look back over the sunny Virginia road, that he drank in the wind as if it were his first breath of freedom. At his feet the road dropped between two low hills beyond which swept a high, rolling sea of broomsedge; and farther still -- where the distance melted gradually into the blue sky -- he could see not less plainly the New York streets through which he had gone from his trial and the walls of the prison where he had served five years. Between this memory and the deserted look of the red clay road there was the abrupt division which separates actual experience from the objects in a dream. He felt that he was awake, yet it seemed that the country through which he walked must vanish presently at a touch. Even the rough March wind blowing among the broomsedge heightened rather than diminished the effect of the visionary meeting of earth and sky.

What this Textopian page supports

The Ancient Law is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ellen Glasgow, dated 1908 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Ellen Glasgow
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Southern Gothic, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary, Romance, Drama
Length: 142,827 words
Structure: 40 chapters, 2,483 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Southern Gothic — Explores themes of decay, tradition, and social change in the American South.
Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical period with attention to historical detail.
Social Commentary — Addresses social issues and critiques societal norms.
Romance — Contains elements of romantic relationships and emotional conflicts.